the idea is that we professionally review the dvds or videos in our collections. like on Amazon.com. So please use the following headings and rating system.

headings:

NAME: (full name of the DVD/Video) STAR RATING:
(see below)WORDED RATING:
(a verbal description to back yuor feelings of the pieces's worth)TARGET AUDIENCE:
(who is it intended for? beginners? advanced? jazz muso's only? etc)PUBLISHED BY:
(so that the rest of us can track it down and buy it)DESCRIPTION:
(please be precise and detailed here. what is covered? how does the artist carry off as a teacher? highlights? etc.

star rating system:

# # # # # #
exceptional (deserves to be called one of the top 20 instructional works of all time)

NAME: CHAD SMITH: RED HOT RHYTHM METHODSTAR RATING:
# # # #WORDED RATING:
Hilarious and visually educating.TARGET AUDIENCE:
funk drummers of all levels. inspirational for beginners and very informative for intermediate players.PUBLISHED BY:
Warner BrosDESCRIPTION:
a different instruction DVD. not serious until the actual playing starts. then its very hard driven and musical punk. Chad is a larger then life character and flea sits in and shows that he is a top bass guitarist. nice descriptions of grace notes and the half time shuffle here. chad has a great single bass drum technique but he doesn't really explain it. though there is a foot camera so if you watch carefully you can learn a lot. he clearly is a big bonzo fan. he does a nice bit on his tom tuning technique ... which is as unscientific as they come but still cool. this guy knows how to groove. his beats are huge and exciting. actually i have discovered a kindred spirit in this DVD. Chad is a slightly more advanced version of me. his approach, tools and jamming technique are similar to mine.

so its a DVD with some of the top chilli peppers songs and some joking but over all very inspirational.

NAME:
BRAIN'S LESSONS - Shredding Repi's on the Gnar Gnar RadSTAR RATING:
# # # #WORDED RATING:
Alternative instruction from an excellent drummer. Highly Recommended.TARGET AUDIENCE:
drummers of all levels - particularly funk style PUBLISHED BY:
Warner BrosDESCRIPTION:
Ex Primus Drummer Brain (Brian Mantia) breaks down Go-Go and funk beats, covers 13 different ostinato patterns for the right hand (as well as some independence ideas over them) and covers the up/down stick technique. Also featured is Brain taking a solo using baguette's instead of drumsticks (and still showing everyone who's boss), roof top drumming sporting nothing more than a pair of underpants and a cigar and some first class funk work.
I've watched this DVD about 10 times since I bought it a few months back and am inspired everytime I watch it. Its a bit quirky in the way its shot and there is a heavy fun element throughout as opposed to a lot of the 'straighter' DVD's out there but I would recommend this dvd to anyone with even a slight interest in funky style drumming. Brain is an excellent technician also, just check out the section on the double stroke role if you need this confirming!
The only reason I haven't given it the full 5 is because the dude who posted the thread seems to be reserving full scores for "top 20" DVD's (which is fair enough) and although this would definitely be in mine not everyone may fully appreciate a quirky hour or so of funk drumming and general tomfoolery (which I definitely do), over say Steve Smith's 2 discs of 5 and a half hours of technique and history, I say both have there places (and both are in my DVD collection).
Extra bits are some clinic footage with some Q&A, the inclusion of a small book/manual describing the up/down technique further and written versions of the ostinatos and Brain's interactive drumkit.
Overall an excellent DVD that I would highly recommend.

NAME:
Drumming Technique/History of the U.S. BeatSTAR RATING:
#####WORDED RATING
The most comprehensive compalation on the drumset and the way has been played and has evolved since it's inception.TARGET AUDIENCE
All levels and styles. PUBLISHED BY:
Hudson MusicDESCRIPTION: History of the U.S. Beat: Disc One.
We all need the lessons that are taught by Steve on this ultra informative DVD.
I have never seen such a great tutorial on how the drumset and all it's variations came about. Steve has done his homework on this one, from early Neworleans jazz, to gospel, the Beatles, Bonham and More modern applications such as Jazz/Rock. All displayed by Vital Information in a great set of music at the end of disc two. If your a serious student of the instrument you need this DVD set.

Drumset Technique: Disc Two
Practical application of many techniques on the drumset for all styles of music. Detailed breakdown of Moeller hand technique and practice methods. Also great foot technique lesson taught to Steve by Freddie Gruber. Superb audio and video quality thruout all exampels and performance footage. I have watched this DVD countless times since my wife bought it for me two years ago and I always learn something.

Put into words Steve Smith is a modern master on the Drums set and is here to encourage you to practice, practice, practice and reap the rewards.

Steve Smith's video is more of a documentary than an instructional dvd. He explains a lot of stuff, but there are no excercizes or play alongs or anything like that. I own it simply to watch one of the three best drummers alive play the kit. I also like Vital Information a lot, so you get to see Frank and Baron and the guys a bit too.

I've been on an instructional drumming video binge ever since I found out you can rent some of these through Netflix.....I'll review a few that I've seen in the last couple weeks.

NAME:
Dave Weckl: Back to Basics

STAR RATING:
# # # # #

WORDED RATING:
This DVD is great. He can really explain things in a simple way.

TARGET AUDIENCE:
Great DVD for beginners and intermediate players who need to refresh their techniques.

PUBLISHED BY:
Warner Bros

DESCRIPTION:
Great DVD that shows where Weckl was at 15 years ago. He covers his tuning techniques and kit positioning, hand technique and foot technique, rudiments, and many other things. He also discusses how having a positive attidtude is just as important as how well you play in a working situation. I would highly reccomend this one.

TARGET AUDIENCE:
Intermediate to Advanced players. This one is going to frustrate you if you don't already have a strong foundation to work from. Rock/Fusion/Jazz/Electronic

PUBLISHED BY:
Warner Bros

DESCRIPTION:
Over 4 hours! Ok....this DVD is mostly Minnemann performing about a dozen of his songs, and then breaking them down so that the viewer can get an idea what he's doing, but does get to some technique instruction. He covers finger control/Moeller technique, foot technique (exeptional coverage of multiple instruments using left foot/multiple footboards), phrasing ideas, complete independence (each limb playing completely different time signatures), pratice tips, song structure and the list goes on. Also includes mp3 downloads and a 15 page PDF booklet with exercises and drumcharts.

TARGET AUDIENCE:
Beginner players may (and I stress MAY) get something from this DVD, but definately NOT for seasoned drummers.

PUBLISHED BY:
Warner Bros

DESCRIPTION:
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.......................... .................................................. ............Gadd playing/jamming in the studio with some buddies, and some occasional voice-overs. The dude literally looks like he's totally stoned on some smack or something. Not reccomended. He may be a really great drummer to many, but this DVD suxass!

WORDED RATING: Very well done, interesting topics, but overall too many things that are not interesting for 90% of all drummers (Multi Pedal Orchestrations, Twin Effect...).

TARGET AUDIENCE: Everybody who wants to get really frustrated or likes LONG Drumsolos. Seriously: VERY far advanced drummers who need to get some new ideas or everybody else who wants to see "how its done".

PUBLISHED BY: Hudson Music

DESCRIPTION: This double DVD by drumming super hero Thomas Lang comes along with many usefull PDF Files and even some Files that can be Looped in order to play along with them. It is not his first DVD and therefore wasn´t made for beginners - everything that is coverd is pretty far advanced and takes a long time to practise. For people who want to get a detailed description of what Thomas does, this DVD is perfect. Sadly, there is also a lot of stuff that is completely nonsense since it only displays, what Thomas is capabale of doing on the set. I find this pretty pointless, also because drummers who are on a level on which they are able to perform this kind of stuff, they actually don´t need this DVD any more. I saw a clinic with Thomas on which he didn´t solo and only talked about timing and groove. That was absoultely brilliant - maybe that was what I expected from ths DVD and sadly it doesn´t deliver this.
I also don´t like the songs he plays and neither do I like his solo in the end. It is just very much showing off (and i guess everybody knows allready what a great player Thomas is...)

On the positive side, there is a wonderfull chapter on Sticktricks and Showmanship - the best I have ever seen. It is amazing and helpfull, since this stuff is pretty basic and can be applied by many drummers in their own way. Also Thomas is a very charismatic and nice person and it is fun to listen to him talk with that funny accent like Schwarzenegger.

A nice DVD, very well produced with a little too much unnecassary showing off stuff.

NAME:
john blackwell (grooving,technique,showmanship)
STAR RATING:
# # # #
WORDED RATING:
its funky! :)
TARGET AUDIENCE:
beginners and intermediate level
PUBLISHED BY:
hudson music
DESCRIPTION:
he shows and describes his hand and foot technique(single)he has an amazing speed with single peds,he describes what he practice, and he also talks about his influences and heroes from funk,jazz etc, he also demonstrate some rnb grooves, lots of funky stuff :), and he also talks about grooving with a bass guitar,t heres also a performance here where he have a duet with his father :D, and he also talks about his soloing ideas, twirling technique, shuffles etc etc, sorry im not that good in describing or reviewing dvds, and excuse me if my grammar is not perfect :P.

Sure, Lang goes overboard on some sections, and, sure, part of the DVD is a thinly-veiled advert for a pedal, but the diamonds far outweigh the coal in this package.

Here's a couple of points from Creative Control that I found quite useful, but you're likely to miss them because he just tosses them at you very quickly.

1) Lean forward when you're playing, not back. That way everything is closer to your shoulders and you'll have less of a reach. The result, as I see it, is that you'll use smaller muscle groups which in turn will let you play faster with less effort. Leaning forward reduces arm motion and concentrates the work in your wrists and fingers.

2) When possible, practise multiple things at the same time. That means, for instance, when you're practicing double-strokes, move them around the kit and play them at different volumes. So you're practicing not only doubles, but also movement between drums and dynamics. Special this week only! Three-for-one practise deal!

You are right on these two points. But to me that is just not enough - and both things I knew allready years ago because I was lucky having very good teachers. You can also say this in two sentences, like you did. You don´t need a double DVD for that.

What I want to say with my review is, that too much time is wasted for useless stuff and showing off. I don´t like that. But as I also said in my review I think Lang is great and many things on the DVD are very cool. It is just that I personally was very disappointed because I saw him in one clinic that was very different from this DVD and much better.

Lang is a master of the drums and an almost unlimted source of information and wisdom. Get the other DVDs of him, they are more usefull for most of the people. If you like to see cutting edge drumming (although with not that much musical value imho) - get this DVD.

Wow thank you! I just thought about buying this one yesterday.
Maybe someone saw the "Dennis chambers in the pocket" dvd and can tell if it's worth buying?

YES! YES! YES!!

man he kills on that video. One of my first videos I purchased years ago and I still never get tired of it. Not much for instruction but he does document his career to date, his playing is amazing and VERY inspiring to say the least.

Plus he jams with Scofield. Oh man I could go on and on for hours about this video. One thing though, he is such a phenominal(sp?) player that it took me years to get all that he was doing.

WORDED RATING:
Bobby’s playing is exemplary. His technique is flawless. His taste is well deserved.

TARGET AUDIENCE:
Intermediate to advanced

PUBLISHED BY:
Warner Brothers

DESCRIPTION:

• Bobby’s 3 showcased songs are great with lots of intricate moves and tasty playing. The down side is you only get a glimpse of his double-bass wizardry. He does some really nice syncopated bass drums riffs that I’d like to see.
• The exercises he lays out are good ones to work on 4-way coordination and 2-way [between hands and feet] coordination.
• He does a nice explanation of “stick twirling” and how to. What I really liked was him pointing out when not to do the showy stuff.
• He demonstrates some nice “showy” stick twirling in a solo [that and his incredible double-bass playing seem to be his forte]
• You get some “extras” like him in the studio [so-so], buying Paste cymbals [another so-so] and preparing his kit for a show [if you’ve done it once, you’ve done it a thousand times]

I very much liked his humble attitude. He is a very likeable and extremely talented guy. I hope his next video will focus more on his double-bass technique, which is not just mindless 64th notes like a machine-gun, but rather excellently timed and executed.

If I've missed a thread about this I'm sorry to be redundant, but i just got a copy of the Drumset Technique/History of the U.S. Beat DVD. It's incredible. Super informative, excellent playing, fantastic technique tips, just an overall great package. Also, just as a bonus, his gear is gorgeous and sounds unbelievable. When he's going through the history of the U.S. beat portion he's playing a beautiful vintage kit with a legit black beauty and it seriously sounds too good to be true.

To me truthfully I feel that this dvd didn't have enough. As far as the second disk, all he went over was typical rhythms that you can learn just by listening to music from those periods. Plus the actual people playing on those recordings had more feeling (more swing n funk) in it too. On the first disk, he goes through basic techniques (moeller for hands and feet), and a small amount of coordination, but virtually no soloing ideas, licks, or anything. I think the technique aspect is always important on any dvd, but I want so much more. Im looking towards getting the carter beauford dvd and/or the tony royster jr. .....

If nothing else it was an exercise for the left side of the mind. His concept of Big Time, layering as many rhythms as possible (i.e.-click your teeth, tap your heel, sing your own little melody, etc.) despite the mics not hearing it just so it feels as good as possible to your bandmates was interesting. He presents so many little nuances to spark creativity...don't expect much instruction for technicality, but you can't help buy get inspired by it!

To me truthfully I feel that this dvd didn't have enough. As far as the second disk, all he went over was typical rhythms that you can learn just by listening to music from those periods. Plus the actual people playing on those recordings had more feeling (more swing n funk) in it too.

This bothered me too. Very little in most of the styles beyond the cliche, and worse yet as soon as he hit the 1960s or so he just went "... and amazingly, my band Vital Information plays all of this music from then to now! Hey, let's watch us play 80s fusion!". As if every style that has emerged since the 60s (which arguably was the beginning of some of the richest drumset material we have available to us today) is just to be considered a preamble to contemporary fusion and not worthy of independent discussion.

I didn't really rate that DVD beyond the technical aspects, to be honest.

DESCRIPTION:
Tommy breaks down and demonstrates "47 grooves every serious drummer should know," in styles including rock, jazz, R&B, funk, latin, world, New Orleans 2nd line, etc. Then, for each, there are 2 tracks to play along with - slow and fast. There's so much variety on this DVD that I think anyone could learn something from it. But, it is an overview of lots of styles, so if you're looking to get really deep into any one style, this is not for you.

For me (probably intermediate level), I breezed through the first several grooves, but have found many that challenge me enough that it takes a week or more to really get down. And I've taken many ideas for techniques and styles I want to expand on. I think Tommy is a great teacher who breaks down each beat to its essential parts and makes it relatively easy to learn. Plus the poster it comes with has each beat notated, which really helps me.

For a beginner, I think many of the beats would be easier to learn if he started with simpler, similar beats that built up to the groove. I've had to make up exercises myself to help with some of the more complicated grooves. I've also heard this video criticized for not expanding enough on the grooves, but Tommy does "take liberties" with the grooves in the play along section, and again, if you're looking for depth in any area, this is not for you.

To summarize, for anyone looking to expand their playing or to experiment with different styles, this is a great DVD. For anyone looking to learn all about any given style, look elsewhere.

NAME:
Creative Control
STAR RATING:
#####
WORDED RATING:
Excellent DVD for those whose future is drums
TARGET AUDIENCE:
Advanced players. About an hour into it I was on the verge of tears (no, not really, but you get the idea). After awhile, the concepts begin to sink in, but it obviously takes time and much attention. Also geared towards those with double bass.
PUBLISHED BY:
Hudson Music
DESCRIPTION:
This is a double DVD instructional with about five hours worth of advanced hand/foot concepts, most of which are Mr. Lang's own ideas and variations.

It comes with printable PDF files of Thomas' performances, as well as around 100 of his exercises! ACID audio files are also included to allow you to play the tracks (minus drums) on your computer so you can play along to it, which is very cool.

I was particulary impressed with the section on MPOs (Multi Pedal Orchestrations), in which he not only demonstrates how to better coordinate your double bass chops, but also how to play the hi-hat pedal with the ball of your foot while double bassing.Of course, not all of us have two hi-hats but this DVD made me think. He presented some very interesting (and challenging) patterns and orchestrations on how to integrate the hi-hat into double bass for some great rhythms, which opens the door for great sounding and technical grooves and paradiddles. His technique in that area adds a whole new dimension to what would otherwise be basic foot patterns.

Lang also does a section on Twin FX pedals, which I have always been averse to for some reason, but thanks to him am now quite interested in. Some of the patterns and rolls he performs on it are anything but cheating or easy. In fact, ALL of them are anything but easy. He uses it on a Meinl Jamblock, which was pretty cool. When I have $400 or so dollars waiting to be spent, I'll definately keep a Twin FX pedal and a cowbell in mind.

In the first disc, he covers singles, doubles, and combos, which is basically practice and coordination exercises, which are all pretty nifty and helpful. His philosophy in that area is why just practice with your hands when you can practice the same thing with your feet at the same time? After taking this to heart, here's hoping my coordination will improve.

Overall excellent DVD for the advanced among us. And even if you don't consider yourself advanced, this will definately help you there. Yes, some of the concepts demonstrated might be out of the world at first, but just remember to practice the little things at the beginning of the DVD, and in time, you'll work your way up to the heavy stuff. I'm having fun rediscovering the basics anyway, and this DVD helps even in that area with the Singles, Doubles, Combo's section.

NAME:
Carter Beauford: Under the table and drumming
STAR RATING:
# # # #
WORDED RATING:
cool, gives a new perspective on how to play.
TARGET AUDIENCE:
drummers who like tricky stuff...and like to use the hi-hat ALOT.
PUBLISHED BY:
Warner Bros
DESCRIPTION:
This DVD is mostly a closer look at some of the dave matthews songs and what Carter is playing in them. He also talks about his influence about playing open-handed and leading with the left hand. I thought this DVD would of been more like an instructional but its not. He doesn't really explain anything, its just mostly him playing and giving you an example.

A little dispointed but its cool to watch and when you buy the DVD theres 2 little booklets that have the sheet music for #41 and satellite and some other cool grooves. After watching this DVD i wanted to hop on the kit and just play like him..his hi-hat work is very impressive. But even if its not the greatest DVD, i would still recommend it for everyone.

WORDED RATING:
Very Eductaional and all -around, really full of insights & practical stuffs that we can be sure to become a better musician. Camera Options: allow us to see him playing above the drums for better visual study...Alternative Edit: 3 band tunes are offered where we can see Gregg's Bass Drum part throughout, Photo Gallery too.

TARGET AUDIENCE:
Any Tyes Of Drumers In The World. Gregg explain that a Drummer needs to learn/play and understand the link between different Style of Music to be Creative which will indefintely enhance whatever personal style of playing & prefered music later-on.

PUBLISHED BY:
Hudson Music

PRICE OF DVD:
USD49.95
(Indeed Value for Money) ... if you look at the materials provided.. It's a DVD with 2 Disc in a Set and the Duration is 4hrs and 20 minutes. My lessons is USD36 per 45 minutes and that makes this DVD USD208 app for 4hrs 20 minutes ...what more Gregg is my Instructor ....kekekeke

DESCRIPTION:

This DVD showcase Gregg's well rounded stylistic approach to drumming....and as the title goes...The main focus is on becomming a more musical drummer (What we have always talk about in DrummerWorld - GROOVE), and at the same time creating and performing the right drum part for the song.

I admire and like this guy alot - though I have to admit ... before I got this DVD..I don't know how he looks like or who he is...just know that in DrummerWorld ...there are many who says..he is a good drummer. What I love most besides the insighful info is he is a very nice drummer who gave plenty of CREDITS to other Drummers throughout this DVD -It seems he learn alot from his brotherhood of Drummers

There were 10 Stylistic diverse original songs (and he actually explain & show how it's been played), The Songs are

All the above... that I've stipulated are in PDF Files/Format ..... to be printed out for your reference and playing - 60 over pages.

I've learn the most important lesson from Gregg - Be Humble, Learn to Share What We know With Other Fellow Drummers - WE ARE A BROTHERHOOD, A FAMILY OF DRUMMERS ! ... and I know the Joy he had in doing all this. cheers !

I prefer to buy books as opposed to DVDs because DVDs are sort of hit-ormiss when it comes to actual educational value. For instance, I can be inspired by a video by Terry Bozzio, but not be able to really take that much away from it in terms of practical application.

The sheer volume of books out there is pretty daunting, and I would like this to be the forum in which you drummers out here provide the most useful ones and explanations of why and what style they are applied two.

My contribution is Time Functiong Patterns by Gary Chaffee. I am actually embarrassed that I had never heard of this one in eleven years of playing. For me, this is the Holy Grail of Rock/Jazz coordination, laid out in an excellent fashion and loaded with good practice tips. Especially useful is the explanation of the basics of Linear playing (straight from the guy who invented it.) I can't wait to get the other books in the Patterns series.

My contribution is Time Functiong Patterns by Gary Chaffee. I am actually embarrassed that I had never heard of this one in eleven years of playing. For me, this is the Holy Grail of Rock/Jazz coordination, laid out in an excellent fashion and loaded with good practice tips. Especially useful is the explanation of the basics of Linear playing (straight from the guy who invented it.) I can't wait to get the other books in the Patterns series.by YAKBUTTER

Yes a very good selection, I have all the books in this series. The knowledge is years worth of material.

Title: Techniques in Interdependence Volume 1
Author: Bryan West
Publisher: Trafford Publishing
About the book: Techniques in Interdependence is about learning how your limbs work together and how they relate to time. Practicing and applying the exercises in this book will help you develop interdependence. More info. at www.bryanwest.com/books.htm.

Comments: I'll let the pros speak!

" 'I love this book!' In this day and age when there are so many drum instructional books to choose from, Techniques in Interdependence Volume I is a book that you will actually use. Comprehensive and well conceived, its vast number of patterns and combinations will benefit all levels of students, instructors, and pros, as well as to help identify each player's strengths and weaknesses. And that's crucial, because every drummers style is a combination of both what a drummer can, and cannot play."

"Bryan has created an interdependence version of the George Stone classic 'Stick Control'. Every permutation and combination are outlined in detail which leads the student in the right direction for a step by step understanding and execution of coordination between all limbs."

TITLE: Alfred's Beginning Drumset Method
AUTHOR: Sandy Feldstain, Dave Black
PUBLISHER: Alfred Publishing Company
RATING: (same as for DVDs): # # # #
COMMENTS: Alfred's Beginning Drumset Method is an innovative and practical approach to playing the drumset. All of the beats and fills presented can be used in a performance situation. The book is divided into two sections - rock and jazz.

In each section students learn the use of hi-hat, ride cymbal, snare drum and base drum technique. Included with this book is a recording demonstrating many of the beats and fills contained in the book. With the help of the recording, the studen tis able to hear each of the beats and fills played while following the music (which you learn how to read and write). The play-along recording also includes corresponding drum charts (two in a rock style, the other in a jazz style), allowing the drummer to have the experience of actually playing with a group.

In my opinion, this is a great book for beginners, as well as intermediate players who need to brush up on technique and tempo. My drum teacher and I literally memorized the entire book. It's worth every penny, and you even get a CD to play along to, as well as learn to read sheet music for the drumset.

WORDED RATING:
This DVD is a great package. Not only do you get a chance to learn countless styles, but also a unique and effective learning method that allows you to adapt and conform to virtually any style of music you want to play. Among other things, Russ discusses the genre's history, as well as which parts of the set should be emphasized or "ghosted", depending on the sound. He also teaches you a valuable learning technique called "facility development", where you essentially learn to develop up to four-limb independence with EACH style of music, not just in general terms. For example, in the jazz section, Russ demonstrates a facility development exercise that teaches you how to move around a kit from a jazz drummer's perspective. There are play-alongs as well. Definitely worth buying if you want to expand your knowledge of the drumset and music showmanship!

TARGET AUDIENCE:
Beginner to Professional

PUBLISHED BY:
Russ Miller (himself)

DESCRIPTION:
In this video Russ delivers one of the most informative demonstrations ever on the art of drumming, covering everything from 2-limb independence to advanced 4-limb independence as well as how to master over 18 different styles of music! Historic facts of styles are presented -- the basic grooves, variations, fill and solo development for each style, the mix of instruments on the kit, dynamic studies and hints from Russ on how to play each style more convincingly. This video is the most comprehensive all-in-one drum set learning tool available! This is great as a flagship curriculum for any novice, or as reference material for any professional. Russ gives incredible playing demonstrations, informative descriptions and inspirational performances! The "Drum Set Crash Course Video" is a must have for every student of the drum set. $29.95

TITLE: Master Studies
AUTHOR: Joe Morello
PUBLISHER: Modern Drummer Publications
RATING: #####
COMMENTS: This is a tremendously well written book for the development of technique. I don't think this is a beginner's book. I would recommend Stick Control by George L. Stone before one dives into this instructional matierial. Seeing as the author (also known as the drummer from Dave Brubeck's quartet as well as many other artists) studied with Mr. Stone in the 30's and 40's, one can see a clear influence from Stick Control on the way this book is written. The book does not discuss actual hand technique, this is more about chops building. The matierial being presented already assumes you have proper grip technique. That may be a flaw for some people, but then again this is more of a book intended for an intermediate to professional level drummer. If you work through this book for a couple months for an hour a day, a new level in chops will definetly happen for you.

COMMENTS:amazing book to develop ur groove in different styles of music,locking in with the bass player, it also has quotes from famous drummers like steve smith,colauita,wackerman,famularo,weckl,donati,cha mbers.

NAME:
Getting Started on Drums, Featuring Tommy Igoe.STAR RATING:
#####WORDED RATING:
Wow, I heard good things about this DVD, but it was much more than I expected. Tommy Igoe is an excellent teacher and puts all his lessons into perspective in each demonstration. I would recommend this video for beginners and intermediate players. For beginners this DVD is a perfect start, and he does not fail to miss any part of the learning process. Being an intermediate player myself, I gained a few ideas and tips for setting up kits and playing. The pace of this video is very smooth and easy to follow. Each lesson is very detailed and is explained very thoroughly. Beginners should buy this at any cost, Intermediate players should own this if they get the chance to, and experts need not apply.TARGET AUDIENCE:
Beginner to Intermediate players (and/or people who haven't owned an acoustic drumset).PUBLISHED BY:
Hudson MusicDESCRIPTION:
Tommy Igoe shows his teaching brilliance by introducing the drum set piece by piece. This two hour video is divided into two sections, setting up and playing. The first part goes in-depth of how to set up each part (Assuming the kit came in pieces) and how to tune them and create your setup. He doesn't go too in depth with specific tuning but stresses that drums are mostly preference when it comes to sound. Not only that, he gives slight history stories of drummers. The second part of the video goes into a few basic grooves and fills. He explains the controversal heel up or down topic and a few basic exercises (he doesn't go over rudiments except single strokes). There are three additional jam songs in which his students demonstrate the fills and grooves in the video, but unfortunately include the drum part (if you're looking for a song to jam to with yourself). I found it helpful as I stole some drum fills from some of the players. The ending was completely satisfying as he encouraged the viewer to keep listening to more music and try everything with drums (ex- school band). He ends the DVD with an awesome exhibition of his skills in an upbeat jazz song. This is highly recommended for a starting video for anyone wishing to start drums.

hi i've been looking at your posts and was wandering if you had any advice for someone at grade 4/5 standard bored of rockschool. I am hoping to improve my rudiments but I also want to have fun with funk and jazz. Any suggestions?

I prefer to buy books as opposed to DVDs because DVDs are sort of hit-ormiss when it comes to actual educational value. For instance, I can be inspired by a video by Terry Bozzio, but not be able to really take that much away from it in terms of practical application.

The sheer volume of books out there is pretty daunting, and I would like this to be the forum in which you drummers out here provide the most useful ones and explanations of why and what style they are applied two.

My contribution is Time Functiong Patterns by Gary Chaffee. I am actually embarrassed that I had never heard of this one in eleven years of playing. For me, this is the Holy Grail of Rock/Jazz coordination, laid out in an excellent fashion and loaded with good practice tips. Especially useful is the explanation of the basics of Linear playing (straight from the guy who invented it.) I can't wait to get the other books in the Patterns series.

Gary Chaffee is THE preeminent drum educator on the planet. His two videos are the best "educational" drum videos I've seen and are based on his 4 "Patterns" books and his "Linear Drumming" book. The videos are called: " Phrasing and Motion" and "Sticking Time, Linear Time Rhythm & Meter."

A great method book for "advanced" drummers that focuses on dynamic independence (the most difficult aspect of independence) is "Future Sounds" by David Garibaldi.